Historic First Baptist, Augusta, Ga., adapts to influx of visitors during the Masters Golf Tournament
“For serious golfers, Augusta National is the Promised Land," says pastor.
The Masters Golf Tournament impacts churches in Augusta, Ga., in many ways. While the tournament brings a massive influx of visitors – increasing congestion on the city's streets – it doesn't necessarily mean increased church attendance, according to an article in The State.
Augusta National Golf Club, the renowned golf course and the host of the Masters, is juxtaposed near numerous churches in the City of Augusta, including historic First Baptist where the Southern Baptist Convention was born in 1845. The church is about 5 miles from August National.
Will Dyer, the senior pastor of First Baptist, has experienced the impact of the golf tournament on the town up close. In 2023, Masters Sunday was on Easter, and attendance at First Baptist fell from a typical attendance of 1,400 to only about 750.